Entry DescriptionStudents at 16 Indiana schools this academic year will learn about the outdoors thanks in part to a new grant program that supports field trips to state parks and reservoirs.

The Discovering the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program is for public, private, parochial or home-school educators and is administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, the supporting non-profit of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

More than 1,400 K-12 students will benefit from the grant program in 2013-2014. Grants range from $171 to $250 and will fund transportation costs, program fees and classroom supplies related to preparation or follow-up for the field trips.

“We are glad to welcome each of these schools for educational and entertaining experiences outdoors,” said Ginger Murphy, assistant director for stewardship for DNR State Parks & Reservoirs.

The fund was established in memory of Tom Huck, a long-time DNR employee who was an ardent supporter of outdoor experiences for children.

“We were able to begin awarding grants this year thanks to donations in memory of Tom Huck and a gift from the Indiana Master Naturalist Advisory Council,” said Bourke Patton, executive director of the INRF. “Donations are welcome from individuals, organizations or businesses to help sustain this grant program in coming years.”

Indiana has 24 state parks and eight reservoirs eligible for field trip funding. Field trips to parks and reservoirs engage students in learning about Indiana's fish, forest, wildlife, natural habitats and conservation.

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